Attachment Theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy with Dr. Sue Johnson

05.15.2023 - By Rick Hanson, Ph.D., Forrest Hanson Play

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Dr. Sue Johnson, the founder of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), joins Dr. Rick and Forrest to explore how insights from attachment theory can transform our relationships. They discuss how attachment theory provides a map for understanding relationships, the challenges of making skills learned in therapy stick, and the role of vulnerability in creating authentic and fulfilling relationships. In this episode you'll learn how to use insights from attachment theory and EFT to create secure and emotionally healthy relationships.

About our Guest: Dr. Sue Johnson is a clinical psychologist, researcher, professor, and the founder of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a widely used and respected approach to couples therapy. She is considered one of the foremost experts in the field of attachment, and hKey Topics:

Key Topics:

0:00: Introduction

2:00: Why Sue created Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)

8:55: Relationships as bonds, not bargains

12:20: Attachment theory as a “map,” and getting skills to stick

16:50: What it feels like to be in a bonding conversation

26:15: Validating vulnerabilities and “finding the raw spot”

31:35: Changing the way you relate to yourself

36:20: EFT vs. Internal Family Systems

38:40: “The Amygdala Whisperer,” and creating a new experience

40:35: Inherent goodness, and naming helplessness

45:40: Communicating how much you value others

51:50: Individualism, and getting comfortable with vulnerability

59:05: Recap

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